FAQ

You can expect your office visit to take 1 hour to 1 hour and fifteen minutes, depending on the complexity of your concern.

Dr. Julianna believes in establishing a dynamic relationship with each of her patients. Each patient is unique, as is his or her journey towards health. She tailors a plan to each individual and therefore healing takes a different amount of time for each person.

East west Natural Medicine Center specializes in treating pain. Additionally, Dr. Julianna treats both acute and chronic diseases. Trained as a general practitioner, she treats the full range of health concerns from acute upper respiratory infections to fertility issues.   Please refer to the Common Conditions section for more information.

Contrary to a common misperception, acupuncture is rarely painful. Acupuncture needles are not much larger than the diameter of a human hair, and they are not hollow like hypodermic needles. They glide between tissues with little or no discomfort. In fact, many clients fall asleep during treatment.

Yes. For optimal safety, East West Natural Medicine Center uses only pre-sterilized needles which are disposed of after single use.

Although naturopathic medicine is not covered by insurance in the state of California, your insurance company may cover the cost of an acupuncture treatment. We are happy to check your eligibility for coverage with your insurance company.  Just give as a call at (805) 543-8958 and we will be sure to assist you.  If acupuncture is not covered by your plan, we will assist you by providing a bill of service that can be submitted to your insurance company.

Absolutely. Naturopathic medicine and Acupuncture not only provide symptom relief but also focus on treating the underlying cause of health imbalances. Although identifying the cause of any particular condition may take several treatments, the accrued investment in the improvement of your health likely prevents future illnesses and high medical expenses.

Learn the basics with a FREE 15-minute consulation visit at East West Natural Medicine Center. Meet with us to learn about the services offered and discuss how we can address your health concerns.

Consultation visits are intended as an introduction only and do not include diagnosis or treatment. When making your appointment, be sure to ask for a “Consultation” appointment.

This is a common fear. Dr. Julianna can use other techniques to stimulate acupuncture points without having to use needles. She can stimulate acupuncture points to bring about a healing response in many different ways, including using topical substances like essential oils, acupressure techniques, moxibustion (aka mugwort plant smoke) and craniosacral therapy techniques.

Definitely. We whole-heartedly honors the perspectives of all health care practitioners involved in the care of our patients and enjoys working in a team dedicated to healing. If this sort of interaction is something you desire, please bring the contact information of your health care providers to your appointment and let us know.

Yes, depending upon circumstances. We have been trained extensively in the interactions of pharmaceutical medications and herbal medicine and avoids all harmful combinations. That is why it is very important that you continually keep her informed of the medications you are taking and any changes that occur to this regimen.

Doctors of Naturopathic (ND) and conventional medicine (MD) colleges both require prior completion of an undergraduate university degree or pre-medicine coursework . During the first two years of medical school, both types of doctors receive similar training in the basic sciences , including physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, histology and immunology. Both are extensively trained to understand and diagnose disease and undergo rigorous practice with patients in clinical settings and under supervision. Additionally, both types of doctors must pass rigorous standardized board exams and meet annual continuing education standards in order to qualify for licensure.

When it comes to medical treatment, conventional family doctors and naturopathic doctors are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent acute and chronic health concerns in people of all ages, order and interpret laboratory tests, perform physical exams and administer treatment. Both are experienced in utilizing the expertise of fellow health care providers and refer patients out of office when appropriate.

Naturopathic doctors strives to identify and treat the cause of disease without harm, treat the whole person (body, mind and spirit), recognize and support the body’s inherent wisdom to heal, take the time necessary to teach patients how to heal themselves, and prevent future complications and ailments.

After completing an undergraduate degree that includes pre-medical training, a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a four-year, accredited, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as a conventional medical doctor. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, Naturopathic doctors complete coursework and training in supportive and preventative therapeutic strategies focused on optimizing health. These strategies include clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. To earn a license to practice medicine, naturopathic doctors complete rigorous professional board exams. To learn more about Naturopathic Doctor philosophy and training, click on the following link to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website:

http://www.naturopathic.org/Files/About_Naturopathic_Medicine/AANMC%20Competency%20Profile%203-31-08.pdf

Additional information outlining the credentials of qualified Naturopathic Doctors and associated Naturopathic schools can be found on the American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges web site. (http://www.aanmc.org/)

Yes. We sends our patients to local laboratories for blood draws and imaging. We also requests that you bring copies of any recent lab work to your appointment so that we can remains up-to-date on your health.